Essex clubs welcome new pitch preparation fund

THE Premier League, The FA, the Government and Sport England have come together through the Football Foundation to launch a new ‘Pitch Preparation Fund’ in support of the game, which is currently facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The fund provides almost £10 million of financial support to those struggling to maintain their football pitches across the country. This is a direct response to a need across the game, providing grants to clubs who have lost out on normal revenue streams during this difficult period. It also helps them to prepare their pitches after challenging winter weather conditions.

The move will help to get clubs in a position to start playing football again when it is safe to do so, following Government advice, and it’s estimated it will benefit up to 4,000 grassroots clubs and organisations.

A total of £9.56 million has been allocated to the fund, which is open to football clubs and voluntary organisations who maintain their own natural grass pitches and have at least twelve months’ security of tenure. Clubs with suitable tenure for a 3G artificial grass pitch are also eligible to apply.

Grassroots football clubs and organisations, FA National League System Clubs from Steps 1-6, Welsh Cymru Premier League clubs and clubs in the FA Women’s Pyramid (Tiers 1-5) who maintain their own natural grass and third generation (3G) artificial grass pitches, are among those eligible to apply for funding.

Robert Sullivan, Football Foundation Interim Chief Executive, said: “This fund reflects the determination of the Premier League, The FA and Government to work together to make funding available to help get pitches match-ready for when restrictions are lifted.”

“The Football Foundation will work with eligible clubs and community organisations across the country to ensure they get what they need. We are here to help, so please apply via footballfoundation.org.uk before the deadline of 25th May.”

Mark Bullingham, The FA’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “These are extraordinary and challenging times, not just for football, but across society and, as always, our first thoughts are with those families affected. We remain committed to supporting clubs during this uncertain period and that’s why The FA has joined forces with the Premier League and Government to create this new initiative.”

The funding will help eligible clubs with essential maintenance works which could include vertical decompaction, slitting, over seeding, fertilising and weedkilling, as well as routine preparatory works such as grass-cutting and the setting out and line-marking of pitches. For artificial surfaces, eligible works could include deep cleaning, overmarking and FA pitch testing.

The application window will be open until 9:00pm on Monday 25th May. Please visit www.footballfoundation.org.uk for further details on the fund, and how to apply. Information on grassroots Essex football can also be found at www.essexfa.com, by following @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.